The Emergency Information Center for the Stephens College Community

Welcome to the Stephens College Emergency Information site, which provides up-to-date information about campus alerts during emergencies or unfavorable weather situations. In the event of an emergency, this space will be used to provide timely information to the Stephens community. It will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

THE CAMPUS IS OPERATING NORMALLY.

Our thoughts are with our neighbors today in Jefferson City, Missouri, who experienced a devastating tornado on the evening of May 22. Many of our alumnae and friends from around the country have contacted us with concern. Please know that Stephens College suffered no damage and all of our students and employees are safe. We are in touch with our alumnae in that community. We are thankful for the residence life and security staff who took care of the situation and our students, and for all of the dedicated first responders in Jeff City who are helping with emergency and recovery efforts. We are evaluating the needs of the community moving forward and how we can best help. In the meantime, know that our campus is operating normally.

Alert System

In addition to posting information on this site, we will also release emergency information via the Stephens Alert System (via Rave). Sign up to receive emergency communications via text and email. These alerts and this site are your sources for the most up-to-date information about emergency or similar situations on campus.

Additional Information

You'll find below additional information for Students, Parents and Campus that you may find helpful.

Students

Please know that your safety is always our top priority. Plans are always in place to handle inclement weather and you will be notified of critical information as it becomes available. In the event of an emergency, please contact your parents to assure them that you are safe.

2019 Messages

May 11, 2019:

Undergraduate Ceremony Updates: Despite the rain, Undergraduate Commencement will be held outside this morning on The Historic Quadrangle (by Historic Senior Hall). This will be an OUTDOOR CEREMONY. Some tips and clarifications... Guests: Umbrellas can be used prior to the ceremony's start by guests as they wait in their seats for the program to begin. During the ceremony, we must ask that you put your umbrellas down in the seating area as a courtesy to other guests. Umbrellas can also be used outside the seating area by those choosing to stand throughout the ceremony if the umbrellas will not block others’ view. Complimentary emergency rain ponchos will be provided at the ceremony site but they do not provide much warmth so keep that in mind and dress warmly. (The Commencement grounds will be open at 9:30 a.m. as planned.) Students, Faculty and Staff participants: Given the possible strength of the rain, we are allowing umbrellas during the procession. We will have to ask for umbrellas to be put down during the ceremony to ensure our guests can see the ceremony. Complimentary emergency rain ponchos will be provided at the ceremony site but they do not provide warmth so keep that in mind and dress warmly. Everyone: Be sure to dress warmly. While forecasts differ on rainfall all agree it will be chilly. Please check the weather and dress appropriately. See our Commencement FAQ for more information.

Feb. 20, 2019:

REGULAR OPERATIONS WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL 10 A.M. WEDNESDAY A.M. FEB. 20. To ensure the safety of our community, Stephens College campus will delay the start of regular operations until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. This late start will give all of our employees the opportunity to travel to campus after temperatures rise and the roads are less icy; it will also provide our facilities and security teams the time they need to clear our pathways and salt our sidewalks.

Feb. 15, 2019:

Due to current winter weather advisories, the Stephens College campus is closing at 1 p.m. Critical employees will (as always) work with their supervisors to be sure our students and our campus remain safe and sound. Dining services will continue to operate on schedule. This Alert page will continue to provide up to date information.

The Friday evening performance of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof has been canceled. Please contact [email protected] for ticket information. Saturday and Sunday performance tickets are still available.

Feb. 7, 2019:

In light of National Weather Service forecasts of an ice storm expected to impact our community between midnight tonight and noon tomorrow, the Stephens College campus will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, February 7. This includes evening classes. As always, employees critical to campus operations should work with their supervisors to ensure adequate coverage.

We expect campus will resume full operations on Friday, February 8. Please continue to check this page for updates. In the meantime, please be cautious.

The 7 p.m. Stars Basketball game has been postponed. See stephensstars.com for details.

Jan. 29, 2019:

We are expecting severe cold overnight and throughout Wednesday. Please take care and bundle up, limiting exposed skin, as you travel across campus. Avoid events and activities that would leave you exposed to the cold for extended periods of time.

Our Facilities staff has completed a review of all of our campus systems and all are operating as expected. As temperatures plummet, if any student or employee has an issue with heat, they should immediately call Facilities (4171) during the day and Security after business hours (4299).

Posted Jan. 14, 2019:

CLASSES RESUME AND ALL OFFICES REOPEN TUESDAY. Stephens College will reopen and resume normal operations including classes tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 15 beginning at 8 a.m. Please continue to use caution while traveling on and around campus because of refreezing conditions.

Posted Jan. 13, 2019:

WINTER STORM UPDATE AS OF JAN. 13

As Columbia experiences a historic storm this weekend, our priority continues to be the safety of our students, employees and families.

Please be aware —

On campus: Our Facilities crew has been working hard to clear our campus. However, snow continues and concerns persist for more precipitation. Therefore take care on sidewalks and bridges. Layers of slush and ice may continue to reform. We are coordinating with any students already on campus to ensure safety and services. Security teams are on campus.

Residential Undergraduate Students: For those moving back to campus after the winter break, residence halls reopen Monday at noon. Take your time to travel safely. Local travel is still difficult. Be cautious. All classes are cancelled for Monday.

Faculty: We have cancelled classes for Monday including evening classes. Classes resume Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Staff: Do NOT report to work on Monday. Offices are closed. Expect to return to work Tuesday at 8 a.m.

(Those who provide essential services will be expected to come to work as assigned by their supervisor. Work with your supervisor if you have any questions about your schedule.)

Continue to follow the stephens.edu/alert page for more information.

Posted Jan. 12, 2019:

CAMPUS REMAINS CLOSED AS WINTER STORM WARNINGS CONTINUE.

According to the National Weather Service, the current winter storm is approaching historic levels. The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect through 6 a.m. Sunday.

The safety of our students and our community is our highest priority. Therefore:

CAMPUS REMAINS CLOSED THROUGH SUNDAY.

Residence halls will reopen Monday at noon.

CLASSES ARE CANCELLED FOR MONDAY, JAN. 14 to allow time for safe travel.

CLASSES WILL RESUME 8 a.m. TUESDAY.

Offices will reopen and all employees will be expected to return to campus at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Those critical employees who are necessary to ensure campus safety will report to work as scheduled.

We strongly encourage all students to stay where they are and not return to campus until Monday if at all possible. For those who must return Sunday, essential campus services and teams are in place to ensure your safety but services are limited and local travel is difficult and not advised. Please check in with Campus Security upon your arrival.

Campus teams are in place to serve those students who have already returned to campus; teams are working with those students directly to ensure safety and services.

Please continue to check the Stephens College Alert page and watch for RAVE announcements and check your Stephens email for any change in scheduling or campus services. We will issue updates as events unfold.

Posted Jan. 10, 2019:

CAMPUS WILL CLOSE AT NOON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 11. Those critical employees who are necessary to ensure campus safety will report to work as scheduled.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR TRAVEL THIS WEEKEND.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of central, east central, northeast and southeast Missouri. The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. There is the potential for severe winter weather in the watch area including the possibility of 5 to 7 inches of snow and 1/3 of an inch of sleet.

For your safety, we ask that you wait out the storm where you are now, prior to traveling back to campus. The wintery weather is expected to be out of the area by Sunday morning making Sunday the safest day for you to travel. Please travel safely, and we will see you back on campus Sunday as planned. Services (such as dining services, facilities) will not be available until your scheduled return.

Should the situation change, new alerts will be issued. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will consider excusing students from Monday classes if there is a Sunday travel concern. In the meantime, continue to follow the Stephens.edu/alert page for updates.

2018 Announcements

November 26, 2018:

The weather advisory has expired. Campus crews have been working all night to ensure safe sidewalks and walking paths but we continue to encourage caution. Classes and campus services are operating normally.

November 25, 2018:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for mid-Missouri, including Columbia and surrounding areas, in effect from 4 p.m. today until 6 a.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations of up to three inches are expected, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Those of you traveling back to campus after the holiday should expect slippery road conditions and should take all safety precautions, including allowing ample time for slower travel. Please continue to check the Stephens College Alert page and watch for RAVE announcements for any change in scheduling or campus services.

November 6, 2018

Due to the expected high voter turnout for next Tuesday’s primary election the 3D1 polling location (Benton Stephens neighborhood) has been moved to the Kimball Ballroom. If you routinely parked in the LRW parking lot, please find alternative parking on that day. Stephens College Safety and Security appreciates your cooperation.

October 3, 2018:

Please be advised that the Federal Emergency Management, (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the wireless emergency alerts and emergency alert system today. The wireless test will begin at approximately 1:18 PM CDT. The emergency alert test will follow at approximately 1:20 PM CDT. The tests will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message.The emergency alert test message will be sent to cell phones that are serviced by wireless providers participating in the wireless emergency alerts and the test will last for approximately one minute.

August 30, 2018:

Campus Crime Alert: On August 30, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a Stephens College student reported to campus Security that she was approached by a Hispanic male, driving a tan colored 4-door Ford Taurus. The student reported she was approached while walking on Windsor Street near Searcy Hall parking lot. The driver of the vehicle attempted to persuade the student into getting into his vehicle. After ignoring the driver, the student reported that she was followed for a short distance. The driver of the vehicle is described as a Hispanic male approximately 35 years old, with dark short hair, and dressed in grungy clothing. The Columbia Police Department has been notified and is currently following up on the report.

April 1, 2018:

Stephens College will operate on a normal schedule on Monday, April 2. All students who live locally and on campus will be expected to attend classes as scheduled. Students whose return to campus was delayed on Sunday by hazardous travel conditions will be excused from Monday classes and should contact their faculty to make up missed work.

Campus will close on Jan. 11 at noon. In light of current weather advisories, and with an abundance of caution and a commitment to the safety of our Stephens community, we will close campus at noon today, Jan. 11. All classes are cancelled for the remainder of the day. Employees whose function on campus is essential to the safety and security of our students will continue to work and should coordinate with supervisors. As of now, regular operations will resume on Jan. 12.